What is the best time to visit the Blue Mountains?

The Blue Mountains are a sprawling natural wonderland of ancient forests, towering peaks, surreal rock formations and cascading waterfalls.

Visitors to the Blue Mountains delight in the endless views. Take the opportunity to hike across the forest floor, up to the wondrous lookouts that take in the mountains’ expansive panoramas.

You can easily spend days enjoying the likes of the Three Sisters, Katoomba Falls, Lyrebird Dell and the thrill seeking Scenic World. There is so much that the Blue Mountains have to offer, you can spend lots of time exploring.

When to visit the Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains are beautiful to visit at every stage of the year! However, there are some things to consider that may influence your decision.

If you choose to visit the Blue Mountains in the Winter months, you’ll definitely want to bring a jacket. It doesn’t get too cold in New South Wales in the Winter, but the mountains are a different story. The temperature can get quite chilly and there is occasionally snowfall in the Winter. That being said, it is still a great time to visit the Blue Mountains. Some perks of visiting during the Winter include smaller crowds and shorter lines.

On the other hand, the Summer months allow you to fully explore everything without being too chilly. Between the months of September to May, you can enjoy the sunny, warmer atmosphere. You can take time to meander around the region and explore the great wilderness without the cold. Because this is a more pleasant time to visit temperature-wise, the crowds will be larger and there will be longer lines.

Regardless of when you decide to visit the Blue Mountains, you’re sure to have an unforgettable and fun time.

What to do in the Blue Mountains

So, now that we’ve got the weather covered, what are some of the amazing experiences that await you at the magical Blue Mountains?

The incredible Three Sisters

On sight alone, the Three Sisters are a trio of surreal sandstone outcrops jutting out of the mountains below. On a deeper level, they are a landmark of important cultural significance. They are the catalyst for one of the Australian Dream Times’ most famous stories about three sisters who were sealed in stone for eternity.

The Three Sisters are truly an awe-inspiring sight to see. One of the most popular lookouts to appreciate this landmark is at Echo Point. The lookout point offers views of the iconic Three Sisters as they tower above the Jamison Valley below.

From Echo Point, you can embark on the Three Sisters Walk to continue to admire the scenery. Or, if you’re up for a challenge, you can follow the Giant Stairway that leads to the first of the Three Sisters. As its name suggests, the stairway truly is giant with just under 1000 steps connecting it from Echo Point to the Three Sisters.

Get your adrenaline rush at Scenic World

Did we mention the Blue Mountains are a region of towering peaks? Well, Scenic World allows you to experience these peaks from thrilling rides. From the ground to the sky, you will have the chance to take in panoramic views of the stunning Blue Mountains.

Grab yourself a ticket and hop on the Scenic Railway, the world’s steepest passenger railway. You will feel like you’re on a roller coaster as you fly along the forest floor after barrelling down the steep track. You will then get to test your nerves on the infamous Scenic Skyway. It towers high above the valley and has a glass bottom that peers through to the valley floor a cheeky 270 metres below! The Scenic Cableway is another fantastic ride to enjoy as you glide above the treetops of the Blue Mountains.

Relax at Lyrebird Dell

There are many gorgeous places to chill out and enjoy a picnic in the Blue Mountains. One of the best places to relax is the beautiful Lyrebird Dell. The walking track stretches in a 1.7 km loop and takes about 45 minutes to an hour and a half to complete.

The hike offers lots of spots to sit and relax or admire the scenery. You’ll come across caves and gentle waterfalls on this pleasant hike. It’s truly a serene place to hang out!

Related article: Are the Blue Mountains Still Worth Visiting?

Cameron Ward

Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.